Optimization of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Parameters on Penetration depth and Bead Width Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is a widely used welding technique in which a non-consumable electrode of tungsten material and shielding gas is used to generate arc for melting. The objective of this paper is to apply Taguchi optimization technique to find the optimal results for GTAW. Taguchi L25 orthogonal array has been used for the design experiments. Welding experiments have been performed on stainless steel 304L grade specimen having a thickness of 3mm. GTAW parameters namely arc current, shielding gas flow rate, torch angle, arc length and torch speed effects on response parameters, such as penetration depth and bead width have been investigated. Optimal parameters have been determined through signal to noise (S/N) ratio approach. Significant factors have been determined through analysis of variance approach (ANOVA). Arc current is the significant factor for both the response parameters while torch angle is significant only for bead width as observed. Predicted results have been verified through confirmation test for each response parameter.